Evaluation of Experimental Chlorine Based Post Milking Teat Dips vs. a Commercial Iodine Post Milking Teat Dip on Teat End and Teat Skin Condition and Health

Abstract

<p>The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of experimental chlorine based post milking teat dips compared to a commercial iodine post milking teat dip on overall teat end and teat skin condition and health using a half udder within cow control model. A secondary aspect was to try to assess whether chlorine concentration or presence of additives had any effects. There were 3 trials with 3 pens (5, 6, and 1) in this study. Each pen (trial) evaluated an experimental chlorine post dip vs. Theratec utilizing a half udder design where left teats were dipped post milking with Theratec and right teats were dipped with the chlorine product. Chlorine products were 4000 ppm w/ no additive or additives for pens 5 and 6, and 2000 ppm + additive in Pen 1. Teat skin (1=normal, 2=slightly dry; 3 = chapped) and teat end (1-1.5 = normal; 2-3= smooth ring; 3.5-4 = rough ring; 4.5-5 very rough ring) scoring was performed two times per week. Mixed procedure of SAS with repeated measured (mixed model with quarter within cow as a repeated measure) were used to analyze average teat skin score (TSS), average teat end scores (TES), and % rough teats, with p <.05 considered significant. There were no significant differences between Theratec and all the chlorine based teat dips (except teat ends during the first week for 2000 ppm Cl + additive) regarding teat skin and teat end health and integrity. All teats maintained excellent teat skin throughout the trials (teat skin score 1). Although there were no significant differences between dips in regards to teat end health and integrity, there were significant changes in teat end scores and % cracked teats over time related to weather and temperature changes. Changes to colder temperatures resulted in a higher average teat end score and greater % teats cracked, while changes to warmer temperatures showed a reverse trend. Addition of additive to the dips seemed to speed up the healing process on teat ends. Although the temperature effects were not completely blocked by the dips, the teat ends did remain hydrated and soft (not dry). Overall, the chlorine based teat dips performed as well as an excellent commercial iodine post milking teat dip.</p>